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There was a new crescent moon in the west which, with the star above it, made an agreeable oriental combination. In the haze over bay and river enough rose and purple remained to veil the awakening glitter of the monstrous city sprawling supine between river, sound, and sea. And its incessant monotone pulsated, groaning, dying, ceaseless, interminable in the light-shot depths of its darkening streets. The sky-drawing-room windows of the Countess Athalie were all wide open, but the only light in the room came from a crystal sphere poised on a tripod. It had the quality and luster of moon-light, and we had never been able to find out its source, for no electric wires were visible, and one could move the tripod about the room.